Watch Me Win, Alpha

Chapter 30

Olivia’s POV

I saw a beautiful girl, following Fin’s gaze. She had short, sleek shoulder-length hair and wore a fitted black satin dress that shimmered under the soft yacht lighting. Her posture was confident-like someone used to being in control

of a room.

Before I could even wonder who she was, Fin had already started moving. “That’s Jess Wood,” he told me, his tone tightening just a little. “General manager of the Washington branch.”

Jess was halfway to the stairs when Fin called out to her. “Ms. Wood!”

She turned. “Fin,” she replied, crisp but familiar. “It’s been a while.”

She was about to continue up when she caught sight of me.

Her expression cooled further. The once-neutral look sharpened as her eyes landed on me like I was a detail out of place.

“And this is?” she asked flatly.

I stepped forward, holding out my hand with a polite smile. “Olivia Whitmore. Alpha Alexander’s secretary.”

She didn’t shake my hand. She didn’t even pretend to consider it. Her eyes stayed on mine a beat longer-long enough to make a point-then she turned and walked off like I didn’t exist.

I let my hand fall, not bothering to mask my awkward exhale. Fin watched Jess disappear inside, then rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh.

“She was raised in the Green household,” he muttered. “Her mom and Alpha Alexander’s mother were close. There’s some… emotional entanglement there.”

I nodded slowly. “So that’s why Washington was the first stop.”

Fin didn’t answer, but his silence said enough. No wonder Alexander wanted to come here himself. You don’t send assistants to handle ghosts from your past.

Once the yacht set sail, Fin and I stepped back into the main cabin, Music hummed low, champagne flowed, and con- versations buzzed in moneyed tones. Alexander stood at the center of it all, surrounded by the familiar polished elite of Washington.

Adele Vasalin, still clinging to his side, laughed at something he said. She was charming, confident—probably used to getting what she wanted. Alexander, to his credit, kept it professional. Polite. Controlled.

Jess, meanwhile, lingered nearby. She didn’t speak much, but her presence was solid, claiming space that no one else

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13:31

Cared to tou. I

feel something.

hard not to feel out

then, as if he could sense the exact moment I started thinking too

Sharp. Steady.

looked away instantly and walked

quiet spot on the upper deck where two chairs faced the ocean. I sat down and

Finally, alone.

into my purse and pulled out my old cell phone. I hadn’t turned it on since getting my new number-too many ghosts. But something pulled at me now. Maybe

screen flickered to

calls. Dozens of

Ava. Former colleagues. Even business contacts I hadn’t spoken to

I opened WhatsApp.

at the top of the

Ethan.” “He’s calling everyone trying to find

the reply box, but I couldn’t

scrolled through the rest-voice notes, missed calls, scattered panic from every corner

had set

the whole world

stared at the screen for a long while, numb, before finally logging out of WhatsApp. But the

texts and voice messages from Ethan popped up in the notification bar of my old phone. At first, his mes- sages were calm-too calm. He asked where I was, said

And then… pathetic.

five minutes ago. His voice was cracked, shaking. I couldn’t

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13:31

just sniffling and a few broken phrases. Then came the words-slurred,

anything-punishment, shame, even death, if that’s what you want. Just don’t leave me like this. Please… please take this trip. I’ll wait for you to come home. I

thumb hovered

didn’t realize I was holding my breath until my

I couldn’t do this

the phone, nearly threw it into the sea, but stopped myself. Not because of sentiment-just logic. I didn’ t need any

nerves. A long while passed before Fin called. He asked me to come up to the second

Alexander was

lounge, and it was like entering a smoky casino. The lights were dim, the air smelled like expensive cigars and old money. Alexander sat near the center of a poker table, champagne glass beside him, a small stack of chips in front

of

to him, slouched slightly, her elbow resting on the table. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes

calm and detached as always, didn’t seem fazed by her presence. Without even looking at her, he gave a small wave to someone nearby.

No drama. No warmth.

I walked over. Jess leaned forward slightly but ducked when Fin tried to help her. She shook him off

sighed and looked

you should try. Maybe she’ll accept your

blinked at him.